Movie Makers (Jan-Dec 1931)

394 JULY 1931 Which line is longer? > < <r > Another Instance of the fallacy of "DISTANCE GUESSING" One line looks longer than the other — but measure them and you'll see they are equal. Distance guessing causes more mediocre moving pictures than most amateur movie makers realize, for no camera gives its best performance unless the distance between object and photographer is accurate. Stop guessing distance. The Leitz "Instafocu" Range Finder, instantly adaptable to any standard make of professional or amateur camera, determines distance automatically and accurately within a fraction of the focal depth of any lens. It permits an exceptionally sharp focus for closeups. Simple in construction, easily and quickly operated. Only $18.75 at better dealers everywhere. Explained in Leica Catalog 1186. Write for free copy. LEITZ "INSTAFOCU" RANGE FINDER Before the lens effects [Continued from page 381] old stereopticon lens holder arm or bracket. This comes provided with a slot and is placed between the camera and the tripod head, the screw passing through the slot. The mask holder is mounted on a rod so that it may slide back and forth. This rod is provided with a head and thumbscrew for attaching to a vertical rod from the bracket. Thus movement is available in all directions. The various distances for the different masks for given effects may be easily calibrated for duplication on location. Of course, when using a camera in which provision is made for direct visual focusing, the necessity for calibration is eliminated and many special effects may be achieved. Cues for cine sailors [Continued from page 382] and for that reason are in themselves excellent continuity motifs. For the real yachtsman and boatlover, the first signs of spring and approach of a new season on the water suggest a splendid movie theme. Weeks before he can get the boat in the water again, he will be puttering around in anticipation. There will be endless catalogs to pore over, discussions and arguments with fellows and, finally, new gear — sails, lines, cleats, running lights, etc. — to buy and the annual overhaul with all its painstaking and loving care. The strange, dead looking and grimy thing that is a laid up boat is seen to take on new life week by week until that great day when she again takes to the water and lives once more. Here is a film record worth the trouble to the amateur who is both movie maker and yachtsman. Hoi eternal A product of E. LEITZ, Inc. Dent. 7 M.M., 60 E. 10th St., New York, N.Y. >pe springs [Continued from page 385] caused me to decide the picture could be taken without the sun. Not quite the original idea but fairish well. Something damp on my face — several somethings. S.O.S'd the child and scuttled houseward with the camera 'neath my skirts. Child did her marathon with various other impedimenta. Parked everything just inside, in case of weather change. Ice man and service ditto arrived simultaneously. Frigidity appropriate to the occasion. Found I had oiled the grease cups of the Frigidaire. Kept my appointment at the dentist's where he displayed a strictly 1931 model tooth — very tasty. Refused, testily, to indulge in any such luxury. Down on the paves and bought a hat, which cheered me mightily. Home, in the brave sunshine, to the picture. That low side lighting would lend atmosphere. Opened the door to sound of caterwauls. Traced them to the studio where found the kitty tangled in a drawer of waiting to be spliced film. Extricated kitty and sat me down at my splicer. Upon examination decided upon a montage film. Worked feverishly. Ignored calls from above. The doorbell clamored. Allowed it to clam. Up at last, to silence and a note on the hall table reading, "Didn't dare disobey your order never to open the studio door. So sorry you couldn't join us in dinner out." Ate a handful of cold mashed potatoes, fed the animals and crawled, wearily, between the sheets. Perhaps I can take that picture in my dreams! Megaphone diplomacy [Continued from page 372] "Mr. Bellamy," he may say, "let us go through your big scene for the pauses only, without bothering about the details of the action. In this scene, you have to pause eight times. Let's count them. You open the door — pause; you step forward and pause again — that's fine Oh, never mind the action right now . . . " Much tact also may be required when dealing with the ladies in the company, especially in front of the male members. It will never do to shout to the leading lady, as a Hollywood assistant once did before a crowd of extras, "Oh, Miss Strong, we're going to shoot that closeup of your hands. Will you go and wash them?"' The famous star never forgave the implied insult. It's always the result that matters and the best way to make people do what is wanted of them is to let them think they have arrived at the decision for themselves. In a word, there is no room for bossing. Most of the failures will not be due to cast or to acting but to management. A missing property, used in previous shots a week before, may dislocate a schedule and waste a long trip. The director should not only anticipate personal daily needs but guard against possible breakdown by making doubly sure the actors are going to bring whatever properties, costumes and makeup materials they may need. It is no use asking, "Miss Lamont, are you all ready for this afternoon?" It is far better to sit down with the lady and suggest going over her list, including everything from shoestrings to tennis racket. Amateur actors have the annoying habit of changing minor details in costume. "Oh, that tie? Well, it was getting dirty, so I sent it to the cleaners, but I have one very much like it!" Most retakes can be avoided by a little vigilance. By the time the production is over, the director will have a high opinion